National Register Listing

Waterworks Building

a.k.a. The Pump House

119 King St., La Crosse, WI
Local significance of the building:
Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

engineering
Green Bay is the oldest continuously settled town in Wisconsin, dating back to the early 1600s.
Wisconsin random facts
La Crosse County, located in the state of Wisconsin, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) and Dakota Sioux. French explorers arrived in the 17th century, but it was not until the 19th century that European settlement began in earnest.

In the early 1800s, fur trading posts were established along the Mississippi River, attracting trappers and traders to the region. The region's location on the river made it a vital transportation hub, and it quickly grew as a result. La Crosse, the county seat, was founded in 1851, named after a game played by the Native Americans in the area.

The mid-19th century saw significant growth in La Crosse County, driven by the logging industry and river trade. The county became a major lumber production center, with sawmills dotting the riverbanks. The arrival of the railroads in the late 1800s further spurred economic development in the area, facilitating the export of goods and the influx of new residents.

La Crosse County is also known for its education and healthcare institutions. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse was established in 1909 and has become a prominent educational institution in the region. The area is also home to Gundersen Health System, a leading healthcare provider.

Today, La Crosse County is a vibrant community known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and cultural events. It has a diverse economy, with industries ranging from healthcare and education to manufacturing and tourism. The county's history is preserved and celebrated through museums, historic sites, and events that showcase its heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of La Crosse County, Wisconsin.

  • 1836 - La Crosse County is officially established.
  • 1851 - The first permanent European settler, Nathan Myrick, builds a trading post near the Black River.
  • 1853 - La Crosse becomes the county seat.
  • 1856 - The Milwaukee Road railway reaches La Crosse, boosting the area's economy.
  • 1863 - The La Crosse River Railroad is established, connecting La Crosse to Sparta.
  • 1884 - The La Crosse Public Library opens its doors.
  • 1906 - The La Crosse County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1949 - The La Crosse Municipal Airport opens.
  • 1967 - The city of La Crosse experiences a major flood, causing significant damage.
  • 1978 - The La Crosse Center, a multi-purpose arena, is constructed.
  • 1997 - The Great River State Trail is opened for recreational use.
  • 2001 - The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse celebrates its centennial.